Welcome to Lynden News!

Captain James Wallace and his Lynden Air Cargo crew recently flew to Haiti as part of the disaster relief flight efforts. Captain Wallace shares his experiences and photos from their trip to Haiti:

--------Captain James Wallace - Haiti Relief Flight Experiences

The disaster events of January 12th to the country of Haiti is proving to be a daunting task for the entire world community. Lynden Air Cargo in coordination with USAID and countless others is accomplishing the goal of providing seamless support to the Haitian community. The result of this tireless effort ultimately is saving lives. As a crew we were fortunate enough to be part of this great effort. The ground crews of Lynden and USAID in both Washington-Dulles and Haiti displayed unparalleled team work, that ultimately assisted the flight crews to maintain the highest standard.

Upon arrival into Haitian airspace the calamity of events was apparent. All air traffic control was maintained by 1 man with 1 radio. His professionalism kept control of an incredible situation. In the 2 hours that we spent on the ground 50 aircraft came and went. The airport ramp is no larger than 5 football fields that services a runway with one taxiway. Up to 20 aircraft from DC-3's to 767's littered the ramp at any given time. People strewn the ramp assisting others unloading and loading aircraft in order for them to return with more aid.

The coming days will be a daunting task for all who are aiding Haiti. The high standard of Lynden Air Cargo and USAID begins with everyone, including the Loadmasters, Mechanics, Dispatchers, Aircrew, and the countless others that it takes to operate at this level of merit.

Loadmaster Bob Lesko is part of a Lynden Air Cargo crew that recently flew to Haiti as part of the disaster relief flight efforts. Bob shared an inspirational story about his experience in Haiti:

-------- Loadmaster Bob Lesko - Haiti Experience

I have a little story for you on Haiti. On my last flight there I was greeted by the USAID rep and asked him for a couple of individuals to help with the offload. Fifteen minutes later he returned with about 15 strong individuals, all local residents that they recruited. Well, some of them had seen pictures of airplanes but had never have been on an aircraft, period. So I took a little extra time to offload and had groups of 4 at a time come up and help and after we finished we all got together for a 15 minute photo shoot.

The faces and laughter that came from these people was priceless, especially after all they have gone through. It was terrific to share with them the little I had to offer and the memories that I will come home with will be treasured.